School District says $1.1 billion budget will mean cuts in programs

Board members were forced to trim $34.5 million in services for the 2000-01 school year, blaming flat funding from the Legislature, a state mandate to reduce special education teacher-student ratios, and $20 million in employee pay raises.

The district's current budget is $1 billion.

"Every politician talked about education coming first," Trustee Shirley Barber said Wednesday as board members reluctantly approved the new budget. "It was a selling point. Then they get to their different offices and completely forget. Education is last on the list."

The budget situation is exacerbated by growth. The district is expected to increase enrollment by 6.4 percent next year, to 231,028 students. The district also plans to open eight new elementary schools and two new middle schools during 2000-01.

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